The flowers

90% of the flowers sold in the UK are imported, roses from Kenya and Chile, carnations from Ecuador and Turkey and a vast range from the huge glasshouses of Holland, To get them to the supermarkets in the consistent condition the supermarkets expect, flowers are chosen for uniformity, ease of packing, sprayed with chemicals and chilled to prolong shelf life.

Because my flowers don’t need to shipped thousands of miles, they don’t need to be treated with chemicals and can be picked and in your vase within a couple of days.

I grow the flowers naturally and with passion on a tiny cutting patch and a ‘repurposed’ vegetable plot. I don’t have a polytunnel yet, so the flowers are fully exposed to the vagaries of the Highland weather. Some weeks I may have gaps, and not enough quality flowers that I would be happy to sell. Many flower sellers will make up their shortages by shipping in flowers from overseas, or the south coast of England, but I have chosen sustainability over availability.

I am committed to planet before profit and the flowers are grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides, instead I support and encourage the beneficial bugs and beasties to manage the not so welcome. When it comes to presenting the flowers, they are wrapped in paper and tied with string or raffia, no plastic, cellophane or aquapacks are used.

The flowers grow with the seasons, from about April to September. Many of the flowers will be familiar, such as cornflowers, dahlias and cosmos. Where ever possible I love to include our local wild flowers and foliage, add scent with foliage and herbs and movement with wild grasses,

Depending on availability, there may also be dried flowers and seasonal wreaths throughout the winter.

How to care for your flowers

Your flowers have been grown, freshly cut and carefully arranged to reach you in the best condition. All they need is a spotlessly clean vase and fresh cool water.

Remove all packaging, it is fully compostable and recyclable. You can keep the ties on a handtied bouquet to keep its shape.

Cut a centimetre or two off the bottom of the stems at an angle with sharp scissors and place immediately into fresh water.
Your flowers will last much longer if you keep them cool, away from draughts, sunny window sills or radiators.

Because your flowers have not been chilled or treated, they will continue to develop and grow in the vase, they may also take up more water than treated flowers, so check water levels daily. Change the water and snip the stems every couple of days. Remove any faded blooms to allow the others to grow.

I grow these flowers for you to enjoy and I am sure you will love the colour, scent and the way the blooms change over the days, but if for any reason you do experience a problem with your flowers, please, please do get in touch. I would hate you to be disappointed.